What Fits in an Ottoman Bed? A Storage Guide by Bed Size

Ottoman beds are one of the most popular ways to add storage to a bedroom, and for good reason. The whole base lifts up to reveal a storage space the full size of the mattress. But how much can you actually fit inside, and which size do you need? This guide explains what fits in an ottoman bed, how they open and how to choose the right one for your room.

How does an ottoman bed work?

An ottoman bed has a hinged base that lifts, usually with gas pistons that take most of the weight, so the mattress rises with it. Underneath is one large, open storage well that runs almost the full length and width of the bed. Because there are no drawers to pull out, you don’t need any extra floor space beside the bed to use it.

What fits in an ottoman bed?

The storage space is the size of the bed itself, so a double ottoman can hold a surprising amount. Typical things people store include:

• Spare duvets, pillows and bedding
• Winter or summer clothes, packed in vacuum bags
• Suitcases and travel bags
• Christmas decorations and wrapping paper
• Shoes and boots in boxes
• Children’s toys, games and keepsakes

As a rough guide, a double ottoman can hold about as much as a large chest of drawers, without taking up any extra floor space. The exact dimensions of the storage area are listed on each product page.

How much storage by bed size?

• Single (3ft): ideal for a child’s or guest room. Room for spare bedding, toys and out-of-season clothes.
• Small double (4ft): a good fit for smaller doubles and teenagers’ rooms, with noticeably more space than a single.
• Double (4ft6): the most popular size. Enough for a couple’s spare bedding, suitcases and seasonal clothes.
• King (5ft) and super king (6ft): the most storage of all, with space for several large suitcases as well as bedding.

Not sure which size fits your room? See our bed size guide.

End-lift or side-lift?

End-lift ottomans open from the foot of the bed. They suit most rooms and let you reach the storage without anything getting in the way at the sides.

Side-lift ottomans open from the side. They are handy when the foot of the bed is close to a wall or wardrobe, or in narrow rooms.

Ottoman beds to consider

• Oslo Ottoman Bed – from £328
• Phoenix Ottoman Bed – from £382
• Dawson Wooden Ottoman Bed – from £386.99
• Sienna Ottoman Bed – from £390
• Arizona Wooden Ottoman Storage Bed – from £468.99

Tips for getting the most from your ottoman

• Use vacuum bags for bulky bedding and clothes. They can more than double what fits.
• Keep things you use most at the lifting end.
• Use a few shallow boxes to divide the space, so small items don’t get lost.
• Avoid overfilling. The base should close fully without pressing on the contents.

Ottoman bed or divan?

A divan with drawers gives you easy access to smaller items but needs space beside the bed to open the drawers. An ottoman holds more and keeps the floor around the bed clear. For a full comparison, read ottoman bed vs divan vs drawer bed.

Browse all ottoman beds, all with free delivery to UK mainland addresses.